The newsletter for Watco
Safety Anniversaries
May 1 - Brimstone Switching (LA) - 21 years
May 1 - El Dorado Switching (AR) – 17 years
May 19- Port of Amory (MS) - 1 year
May 22 – Pittsburg Transload Terminal (KS) – 7 years
May 26 - Louisville River Road Marine Terminal (KY) – 4 years
Safely Improve Every Day
June 1-7 is CPR and AED Awareness Week
• Does your team want to get CPR-certified? Learn more by contacting Chuck Teeters at cteeters@watco.com.
• Anyone can become a CPR, first aid, and AED instructor. Those interested are required to complete online training and an in-person course on CPR, first aid, and AED.
Dock Tool Streamlines Rail Operations
Ease. Real-time visibility. 24/7 accessibility. These are just some of the words customers and team members use to describe Watco’s Dock tool.
The Dock offers a dashboard, which provides a glance of all railcar activity from showing the number of inbound railcars to the total number of railcars currently placed. Using this tool, customers can view waybills and order in, release, or reject railcars. There is also an option to request railcars to be spotted and switched.
For a year, Pittsburg Transload Terminal Manager Chris Senecaut has used this online tool on both his phone and laptop to track and release railcars to the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL). Prior to using the Dock, he contacted Watco’s Customer Service team for these requests.
Senecaut said, “It was easy to learn and now the Dock saves my team a ton of time. We no longer have to send emails to Customer Service and wait for a response. Now, everything we need to do is right at our fingertips.”
The Dock tool was created by Watco’s IT team back in 2018. Since then, new features continue to be added, and many customers have gradually transitioned from contacting Customer Service to using it themselves.
Senior Vice President of Service Assurance Carla Ewing agrees with Senecaut’s assessment of the tool. She said: “This tool has made life easier for customers. The Dock provides all the necessary information you need when you need it.”
Introducing a New Supplemental Health Benefit
“You have cancer.” It’s a diagnosis no one wants. But approximately 2 million people will receive this news in 2024, according to the American Cancer Society.
There is help, if such a diagnosis occurs. If you or your family members are enrolled in Watco’s HRA or HSA plan, you now have access to a new supplemental benefit program: Private Health Management’s (PHM) ClearCancer.
What is it?
PHM supports serious and complex types of cancers. Their personal care team has extensive experience in delivering science-backed health guidance and logistical care coordination, ensuring you can make informed decisions with confidence. They help you navigate the complicated healthcare system to get the best treatment
PHM does not replace your relationship with your personal healthcare providers, nor your insurance – rather it collaborates with your current doctor/insurance and gives you access to special clinical and research resources.
Please note that Watco and PHM prioritize your privacy, ensuring that your personal healthcare journey remains your own, with added support and resources at your fingertips.
What’s Included?
Through the partnership between Watco and PHM, you and your family will receive:
• Dedicated support from a personal care team
• Help with determining a treatment plan
• Latest information on emerging treatments and clinical trials
• Access to supportive care resources, including nutritionists and other providers
• Assistance in scheduling appointments
How much does it cost? It’s free for all team members and dependents who are enrolled in any of Watco’s health insurance plans.
Who do I contact? For more information, visit myphmcare.com/watco. You may also contact PHM at watco@privatehealth.com or (310) 248-4050.
Watco Welcomes the Verdigris Southern
Watco recently welcomed the Verdigris Southern Railroad (VESO) as it 46th short line railroad. The 3-mile line serves the Port of Inola in Oklahoma.
The VESO currently provides switching and interchange services for one customer. The paper products company received their first seven boxcars of compressed wood pulp in mid-April. Operations kicked off after the port completed the replacement or rehabilitation of nearly all the rail inside the park.
The port is owned by Tulsa Port Authority, which also manages the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. That facility is only about 15 miles away and is served by Watco’s South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL). The Port of Inola interchanges with Union Pacific, but the SKOL recently transferred a locomotive there to provide service inside the park. The crew from the SKOL’s Owasso depot switches cars as needed.
“This customer is new to rail, so there’s been a learning curve,” said Sales Director Casey Harbour. “They’ve been happy with the results so far and plan to transition more of their suppliers over to rail. Our goal is to provide service five days a week from a dedicated VESO team.”
Harbour says there’s also potential for outbound shipments of the toilet paper, facial tissue, and paper towels the current customer produces. And there is plenty of room for growth. The port has more than 1,100 acres ready for development, with truck and barge access as well.
“Getting started at the Port of Inola has been a six- or seven-year project,” Harbour said. “We’re excited that it’s finally happening and can’t wait to continue to grow with the current customer, Tulsa Port Authority, and new customers as they arrive.”
SKOL Team Celebrates Rick Hensley
Rick Hensley spent the last 35 years on short line railroads. His career took a few turns, but he finished it where it all started, in Pittsburg, Kansas. The local team showed him their appreciation at his retirement party on May 31.
Hensley began his railroad career in 1989, repairing track for South East Kansas Railroad, which later became part of the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad (SKOL). He later moved over to operations as a conductor, and then engineer. Hensley spent several years in the 1990s at another local short line but returned to the SKOL in 2000 where he remained until retirement. During his time, Hensley repaired, switched, and operated on nearly every mile of the SKOL.
“Railroading was always interesting to me,” Hensley said. “I felt like we were doing something important, but it’ll be nice to be doing anything other than riding a hot train in the summer.”
Trainmaster Dustin Coester says Hensley will be missed for many reasons.
“Rick’s a great guy,” Coester said. “He’s very knowledgeable about railroading, but more importantly, he’s always willing to help. Whether it was stepping up to run the Christmas trains for the local kids or working with newer team members, we knew we could count on Rick. He’s just a likeable guy to be around.”
Hensley doesn’t have any big plans for retirement yet. Fishing with his grandkids is currently top of the list. He’s also been a passionate fan of the Kansas City Chiefs for decades. The SKOL team hosted a retirement party for Hensley on May 31. After lunch and cake with many of the friends he made over the years, they presented him with tickets for a game day experience during the Chiefs’ 2024 season.
Watco’s 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Each spring, Watco awards scholarships to high school seniors who are eligible dependents of Watco team members. This year’s recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship to attend a post-secondary institution within a year of graduating high school, with $1,000 being distributed each semester.
Join us in congratulating this year’s scholarship winners:
Alivia Farr
Alivia Farr is the daughter of Daniel and Shannon Farr. Daniel is a conductor/ engineer at the Birmingham Terminal Railway in Alabama. At Holly Pond High School, Alivia served on student government, most recently as vice president. She also played varsity softball for all four years. This fall, Alivia plans to attend Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Alabama.
Allie Keizer
Allie Keizer is the daughter of Nathan and Jeanna Keizer. Nathan is the chief pilot based in Pittsburg, Kansas. During Allie’s time at Joplin High School, she was a student-athlete lettering in cross country and track. She enjoyed participating in clubs such as student council, Distributive Education Clubs of America, the Future Business Leaders of America, and more. She will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia this fall.
Alex Muckala
Alex Muckala is the daughter of Ryan and Jennifer Muckala. Jennifer is the director of treasury in Pittsburg, Kansas. Alex was a member of the National Honor Society at Pittsburg High School. She was also involved in drama and arts, earning awards throughout her four years. She will attend Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, this fall.
Aiden Patterson
Aiden Patterson is the son of Jimmy and Karay Patterson. Jimmy is the senior vice president of rail operations in Pittsburg, Kansas. Aiden was a studentathlete, participating on the tennis and swim teams at Webb City High School. Aiden was a member of Missouri Southern Center for Advanced Professionals Studies, where he gained real-world career experiences and gave back to the community. This fall, Aiden plans to attend Missouri Southern State University.
Bailey Sebroski
Bailey’s parents are James and Kelly Sebroski. James is a supervisor at the Martinsville Dedicated Terminal in West Virginia. At John Marshall High School, Bailey served as president of the National Art Honor Society and was also a member of the National Honor Society and Technical Honor Society. Bailey plans to attend West Liberty University in West Virginia this fall.
Brady Bilsland
Brady Bilsland is the son of Kirby and Becky Bilsland. Kirby is a logistics branch manager in Greenville, Kentucky. Throughout his time at Floyd Central High School, Brady was a member of the National Honor Society, a student-athlete, and a member of a community-service organization called the Interact Club. Brady will attend the University of Louisville this fall.
Jordynn Kough
Jordynn Kough is the daughter of Derek and Melissa Brau. Derek is a conductor/ engineer at the Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad. Jordynn was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Scott Community High School. Throughout the last four years, Jordynn also lettered in softball and cross-country and served on the yearbook staff and prom committee. She will attend Kansas State University this fall.
Jazmyn Walker
Jazmyn Walker is the daughter of Brad and Jacqueline Walker. Brad is the vice president of safety in Overland Park, Kansas. Jazmyn was a member of the National Honor Society at Fort Osage High School. She also participated in broadcasting and mass media programs at high school, where she enjoyed serving as a play-by-play announcer at sporting events. Jazymn plans to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia this fall.
Logan Mason
Logan Mason is the son of Darel Mason and Sara Printy. Sara is an executive assistant in Overland Park, Kansas. At Gardner Edgerton High School, Logan was an active member of the competitive culinary team. He also regularly volunteers at his church and local organizations like regional food bank Harvesters. This fall, Logan will attend Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
Maryssa Roe
Maryssa is the granddaughter of Greg and Paula Ferguson. Greg is the assistant general manager at the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad. At Independence High School, Maryssa enjoyed building sets for musicals and plays. This year, Marrysa’s essay placed first in the Independence Daily Reporter’s Kansas Day Essay Contest. She will attend Independence Community College in Kansas this fall.
Noah Hackel
Noah is the son of Todd and Alissa Hackel. Alissa is vice president of real estate in Overland Park, Kansas. At Olathe Northwest High School, Noah was a member of the National Honor Society and a student-athlete. He is also involved at his church.
Noah will attend Kansas State University this fall, majoring in business with a supply chain emphasis.
Tyler Antle
Tyler is the son of Michael and Brenda Antle. Brenda is a senior benefits engagement specialist in Pittsburg, Kansas. Tyler was a member of the Frontenac High School football, track and field, and baseball teams. In his spare time, he regularly volunteers for his church. This fall, Tyler plans to study and play football at the University of Kansas.
Interns Graduate High School and Join Watco Full Time
St. Charles Industrial Rail recently welcomed two new full-time members to the team, Student Conductors Sailor Pilotte and Leetrell Hart.
Last month, Pilotte and Hart accepted job offers from Watco at a signing ceremony hosted by the St. Charles Parish Public Schools’ Satellite Center in Louisiana. This milestone comes after they completed their months-long internship at Watco’s industrial rail site and days before graduating from high school.
Pilotte and Hart were two of five high school seniors who signed up to intern at St. Charles Industrial Rail earlier this winter. Early on, they stood out from the others according to General Manager Shaun Maurin.
He said, “Sailor and Leetrell are go-getters. They led the pack. I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to offer these two a job.”
Their internship was divided into two parts. The first requirement was completing online coursework offered through Watco University.
Then, if interns were 18 years or older and had a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), they went on-site. There, they shadowed team members across all trades including switching, maintenance of way, and railcar repair.
Pilotte was the first intern to finish the online training. And because she met the required age and had a TWIC, she had the most real-time experience. She was also the only intern to have previous industry experience. The year prior, Pilotte received her welding certificate.
Hart didn’t turn 18 until this spring. He was eager to join the team on-site. On the morning of his birthday, he filed for a TWIC and emailed People Services Manager Lindsey Alexander to let her know that he was eager to start.
People Services Manager Lindsey Alexander said, “Sailor and Leetrell are thrilled to start this next chapter and get to work. I know they will do great things at Watco.”
Freeport Industrial Rail Team Members Visit School Career Fair
General Manager Ricky Martinez (far right) and Conductor Pascual Robles (far left) attended Kairos Christian Academy’s Career Fair in Clute, Texas, in April. It was a great opportunity to share what it’s like to work on a railroad with students ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade.
“Seeing how these kids lit up and take an interest in something that is your day-to-day job was refreshing,” Martinez said. “They were so interested in the transportation industry, and it makes you appreciate the close-knit team you have and what the future will hold.”
We are always looking for stories about our Watco team members to feature in The Dispatch, Watco’s monthly newsletter.
If you think you might have an interesting story to share, please contact the Marketing team at marketing@ watco.com with your idea.
1 Year:
Team Member Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following team members celebrating June anniversaries:
Adrian Alvarado, Melinda Bailey, Hunter Barclay, Brady Beilman, Aubree Beitzinger, Augustine Bermea, Thomas Booth, Trevor Brunelle, Christopher Bruno, Ian Cardiff, Trentavious Carnes, Melisa Castillo, Chandler Chick, Dalton Clinton - Major, Corey Coen, William Cooper, Peter Dench, Matthew Desjarlais, Joseph Dickow, Anthony Dykas, Anthony Estrada, Alecander Evans, Thomas Felder, Jeffrey Finn, Bayley Gallagher, Parker Gent, Marissa Girod, Rafael Gonzalez, Jason Gordon, Michael Grant, Kathy Greenys, Theo Hampton, Damian Heesh, Torreyon Henley, Roberto Hinojosa IV, Alexander Hohlt, Tristan Holloway, Connor Jackson, Trey James, Cody Just, Grace Kahtava, Talia Keyton, Darrell Ligon, Patrick Mann, Jarod McCormick, Paul McDuffee, Gabriel Miller, Jessica Mitchell, Kevin Moore, Dedrick Myles, Nathaniel Neskorik, David Nething, Danaya Osei, Tracey Palmer, Jamarcus Pierre, Jonathan Pitman, Thomas Records, Rylan Redding, David Rickey, Jordan Rogers, Danterio Siplin, Rodney Slater, Charles Stumer, Brady White, Stuart Whitman
2 Years:
David Acosta, Cory Agawa, Loren Allen, Vaughn Appleman, Kaffrey Bailey, John Bell, Chester Bethel, Jim Blackett, Tyler Breaux, Hayden Brown, Kyle Bryant, Luis Cabrera Arevalo, Byron Carey, William Clark, Lena Clifford, Jerome Curtis, David Dry, Robert Edmondson, Joskie Frank, Jose Garcia, Kyle Gauthier, Jyron
Glenn, Nathan Hackey, Angus Haigh, Benjamin Hansen, Lisa Holland, Lori Holmes, Mark Hope, Bill Hurst, Nathan Hurst, Craig Jefferis, Jerry Jones, Johnathan Lacy, James Lambert, Bernard Latchley, Samantha Lloyd, Devon Lohrenz, Barbara Macken, Ernest Meisner, Antonio Mendes, Paul Montange, Xavier Moore, Nichole Morcher, Kevin Mott, Bryan Munson, Noelene Neville, Michael Norton, Ryan Oman-Salisbury, Trevon Parker, Michael Patterson, Ben Potts, Micah Ramos, Dalton Roberts, Norma Rodriguez, Haleigh Savage, Andre Smith, JoAnn Smith, Gilbert Solano, Katelynn Stewart, Charles Toles, Ryan Tucker, Sarah Villa, Joshua Wainscott, Kenneth Weathers, Joseph Williams, Kenneth Woods, Christopher Zamora
3 Years:
Alejandro Acuna, Jonathan Alexander, Joaquin Alvarez, Roger Ardon Varela, Juan Beltran, Daniel Best, Bradford Boyce, Devon Bush, Kayden Camp, Jarvis Casey, Marcos Collazo, James Diehl, Jason Eliot, Wilmer Frederick, Kaila Frye, Victor Garcia, James Garrett, Thomas Gould, Marc Greger, Mark Harris, Dylan Heiselman, Alisha Houser, Mark Huantes, Kenneth Jackson, Anthony Lashua, Jett Loenneke, Jesenia Lopez, Matthew Luebeck, Cristian Luna, Seth McBryde, Jay McGillivray, Jacob McGrath, Steven McLaughlin, Sean Mendez, Michael Morin, Brandon Ofili, Audrey O’Toole, Danielle Potter, Juan Romo, Raul Sanchez, Zachary Schendel, Jordan Seideman, Ajele Smith,
Chris Smith, Timothy Smith, Michael Spearing, Heather Weber, Jeremiah Whitt, Shawn Williams
4 Years:
Pamela Barefield, Adam Christman, Oscar Cisneros Nunez, Marcus Cobb, George Diamantakos, Timothy Jones, John Korndorffer, Austin Kropp, Isaac Martinez, Joel Nunneley, Jisela Perez Castaneda, Phillip Pizzolato, James Sebroski, Saengphet Soulivong, Edward Wilson, Aaron Young
5 Years:
Ruth Becker, Joshua Buee, Randall Campbell, Kyle Cleland, Adrian Cooks, Eugene Finkley, Courtenay Harry, Sam Kimotho, Brandi Orr, Donald Paulat, Lashunda Poole, Hagen Presley, Jesse Prine, Harrison Short, Ailsa von Dobeneck, Amanda Widmer, Marcus Yates, Jennifer Zettler
6 Years:
Clifford Birch, Gina Bradley, Robert Cooper, Joseph DaRonche, Marquet Freeman, Saleh Mothana, Patrick Nemec, Caleb Schmidt, Ivan Smith, David Weber
7 Years:
Ryan Frazier, Rene Mendoza, Casey Miller, Jamie Owens, Amber Reeves, Peter Silva, Jerick Staker, Leon Williams Jr, Wayne Wiza
8 Years:
Jacob Baker, Zachary Charston, Gregg Robbins, Nicholas Sharp, Jordan Wagner
9 Years:
Team Member Anniversaries
Nicholas Benedict, Cameron Benson, William Butler, Brantley Chambliss, Arla Cress, Douglas Jones, James Rehm, Olen Reid, Stacey Wilberding
10 Years:
Robert Ayers, Timothy Chew, David Eller, Jerod Gofourth, Cris Hatcher, Michael Hernandez, Michael Hovan, Alexis Jimenez, Jonathan Lacy, Jason Longfellow, Brent Morrison, Breana Nalesnik, Jose Rios, Jose Rodriguez, Joseph Rowan, Jason Wetta, Shari Wilson, Eric Wolfe
11 Years:
Cassidy Cromer, Philip Hennessee, Sergio Lara, Jenna Maiseroulle, Arturo Montemayor, Jeffrey Quigley, Jason Sigman, Paul Suarino
12 Years:
Sean Benzmiller, Susan Buffington, Tara Carpenter, Jordan Cheatham, Sean Cox, James Degano, Glen Jackson, Jeff Kelly, Audie Pankhurst, Justin Pankhurst, Steven Renn, Jose Rodriguez, Angela Schaefer, Amanda Shanholtzer, Duff Wagnon, Lloyd Young
13 Years:
Brian Keithan, Kristi Nunnelley, Felicia Strickland, Johannes Yocum
14 Years:
David Bravo, Silvestre Garza, Russell King, Thomas Scheidemantel, Douglas Steed
15 Years: Sean Crowe, Brent Marsh
16 Years: James Hite, Matthew Troth
17 Years: Chris Morris, Michelle Shuttlesworth, Leon Williams
18 Years:
Randall Chaney, Phillip Forrest, Pete Tavernaro
19 Years:
Frankie Carpino, Paul Christenson, David Gonzales, Nicolas Hanson, Jeremy Hollis, Leslie Kissel, Cameron Lundy, James Marr, Angelina Pridemore
20 Years: Nolan Darthard, Joey Meadows
21 Years:
Donnie Creed, Mark Glover, Wade Lunt, James Waite
22 Years: Carl Silcox, Mark St Aubin
24 Years: Colin Schneider
26 Years: Christopher Jacobson, Jason Rossman
27 Years: Chad Wilson
28 Years: Jason Ford
31 Years: James McDaniel
32 Years: John Nippa
36 Years: Janice Ferrin
37 Years: John Lopez
